Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Heard this phrase first when I came across Sandra Brown’s novel with the same title, which by the way is an okay read. The association is relevant, Mardi gras which literally means Fat Tuesday in French, the day before Ash Wednesday, the day for gluttony and extravagance. The last hurrah heralding the start of a somber season.The name comes from the tradition of slaughtering and feasting upon a fattened calf on the last day of the Carnival. Also known as Shrove Tuesday (to shrive, or hear confessions), Pancake Tuesday and fetter Dienstag. The custom of making pancakes comes from the need to use up eggs and dairy before the fasting and abstinence of Lent begins. The official colors of Mardi gras are purple, a symbol of justice; green, representing faith; and gold, to signify power… symbolic.

I think the carnival in Goa too is linked to this event only that it lasts for three days. The Carnival season here in the US starts off with Epiphany, (the feast of the three kings, Jan 6th and back home this has traditionally been the day when we pull down the Christmas tree, the Star and all the other Christmas decorations) and culminates on the day before Ash Wednesday.

Mardi gras is a popular event in down south Texas i.e. Galveston and New Orleans too and being as close to these as we could possibly be, the thought did cross our minds, but like some thoughts that never get to see the light of the day… add plus 1 to that count! Add life to the event with a few snaps and commercials on TV with all the masked balls and tableaus and lots of beads, yeah lots of them…. It does seem like tossing of chain beads is quite popular in this part of the world, Infact have always managed to get hold of a few during our visits to Kemah (people partying on boats toss these to the crowds on the pier)

No partying, just a Welcome to the Lenten Season and plans…yea, have lots of them!